Ricky Burns will defend World Boxing Organisation lightweight title against unbeaten Jose Gonzalez

Ricky Burns, the World Boxing Organisation lightweight world champion at the
centre of a contract dispute involving rival promoters Eddie Hearn and Frank
Warren, will face mandatory challenger Jose Gonzalez in Glasgow on May 11,
it was confirmed today.

Burns will defend the WBO lightweight title against the unbeaten Puerto Rican at the Emirates Arena, live on Sky Sports.

The WBO’s regulations committee ruled on March 19 that the Scottish 135lbs fighter must face Gonzalez, or face purse bids, given that Burns had been afforded time to compete in a unification contest with Miguel Vazquez, the IBF champion.

Burns was due to fight Vazquez on March 16 but when it was postponed until April 20, Burns left Warren, under whose promotional banner it was due to take place.

A week after the postponement was announced, Burns defected from Warren’s camp and was unveiled as a Hearn fighter, adding to the Matchroom Sport stable. Warren issued legal action the same day.

Warren has decided to seek “substantial damages” from Burns for unlawful termination of his contract, which covered three outstanding fights. Warren also contends there was a management agreement, which the Scottish boxer denies.

Hearn, meanwhile, has consistently claimed that, following advice from his lawyers, he is “very comfortable” about his arrangement with Burns.

For the May 11 contest, Hearn was given five days to negotiate an agreement for the championship bout otherwise a purse bid would have been ordered.

Just hours before Monday night's deadline, Hearn and Gonzalez’s promoter Peter Rivera agreed terms and contracts were signed for the May 11 bout.

Hearn said yesterday that the legal action against Burns would “absolutely not” affect Burns’ contest on May 11.

There had also been a move from Matchroom Sport to offer a unification contest to Vazquez, but “the WBO wouldn’t sanction it because of the failed opportunities given to Burns”, Hearn said

Like all fighters, Burns is looking beyond the small print, and between the ropes. “I’m really looking forward to May 11. He’s a big puncher with a great KO record, but I’ve been in with big punchers before and that doesn’t worry me in the slightest.”

“It’s great to have the date and name sorted now so I can just focus on getting myself in great shape for a big night in Glasgow.”

Gonzalez, 29, who has 17 knockouts in his unbeaten twenty-two fight winning run, said yesterday: “I'm very glad for this opportunity and it’s a dream come true fighting for the World title as the mandatory challenge.”

“I'm not worried about fighting in Burns’ homeland. I'm preparing greatly for this fight and I'm sure I will bring the World title to my country.”

Hearn added: “It’s been a tough few days and we’ve had plenty of obstacles to overcome, but I’m delighted to bring Gonzalez to Glasgow for what I feel will be the beginning of a new era for Scottish boxing.”

“Gonzalez is ranked number one in the world, undefeated and comes with a dangerous reputation. It’s imperative that we deal with our mandatory challenger to pave the way for big unification clashes but I believe Ricky will face his toughest test yet on May 11.”

“We need the support of all the Scottish people as we begin a new journey and cannot wait to raise the roof of the stunning new Emirates Arena.”

Rivera, Gonzalez’s handler, said that there is more than just this contest at stake, given Burns’ history. Rivera explained: “For us this is like a rematch fight because Burns already beat one of our fighters, Roman Martinez. Now Gonzalez has the chance to avenge that loss.”